Curving Ball

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that is adapted for enhanced curving when thrown specifically designed to aid in throwing to produce a curve effect and a method for throwing that enhances a curved trajectory. The object includes a solid generally spherical structure having a diameter with a range of about two inches to about six inches, the structure including an outer surface defining a generally equatorial-circumferentially-extending groove dividing the structure into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, the outer surface including a plurality of slots in the first hemisphere extending from the groove to a pole of the first hemisphere.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application60/756,176 filed on Jan. 13, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to thrown balls, particularly tosoft balls specifically designed for young children to easily curve whenthrown.

Baseball is a popular sport in the United States and people of all agesenjoy varying degrees of participation. Many children enjoy learningvarious elements of baseball, including throwing, pitching, hitting, andfielding. Of particular interest in pitching and hitting is experiencein pitching and hitting a curveball.

The curveball is a type of breaking ball in baseball thrown with a gripand hand motion that imparts forward spin to the ball. This causes it to“break,” that is, to fly in a more exaggerated curve than would beexpected. The pitch is slower than a fastball, and this difference inspeed also tends to disrupt the hitter's timing. A good curveball dropssharply as it reaches the plate, causing the batter to swing above it.

It is a common misconception that throwing a curveball requires a wristsnapping motion during the release of the ball. To properly throw acurveball, the pitcher cocks the wrist inward so that upon release theball rolls forward over his index finger, creating the desired spin. TheMagnus effect then produces a downward force on the ball; this combineswith the force of gravity to make the ball curve down.

Mastering the techniques and variations of throwing a proper curveballand its variations are hard, especially for young children. Withoutexperience throwing curveballs, there is an often limited opportunityfor children to learn to recognize and hit curveballs.

Further, balls for very young children, particularly when throwing acurve, are harder to throw and field accurately. Having a ball made ofsoft material is important to reducing risk of injury and damage.Another way that children, particularly young children, are at risk whenlearning about a curveball is that they may apply torques to their arms,shoulders, and connecting tissue that is inappropriate and potentiallydamaging in an effort to throw a “bigger curve” particularly with manyconventional balls.

The Wiffle ball was invented by David N. Mullany of Shelton, Conn. in1953 when he designed a ball that curved easily for his 12-year old son.It was named when his son and his friends would refer to a strikeout asa “wiff” (actually whiff). A classic Wiffle ball is about the same sizeas a regulation baseball and is hollow plastic no more than ⅛th of aninch thick. One hemisphere is perforated with eight ¾″ inch oblongholes, with a solid second hemisphere. This construction allows pitchersto throw a tremendous variety and size of curveballs. Wiffle balls aretypically packaged with a hollow, hard plastic, yellow bat that measures30 inches in length and about 1.25 inches in diameter. The bat ismanufactured for The Wiffle Ball, Inc., by another company.

Also, Easton has a foam training baseball that uses a spiral pattern tocreate a curveball. It is not user-friendly, and particularly not userfriendly for young children wanting to learn to throw, control, hit,and/or catch a curveball. The Easton devices include a ball having ahemisphere provided with a series of concentric circular slots.

What is needed is a ball adapted for children wanting to learn to throw,control, hit, and/or catch a curveball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is an apparatus that is adapted for enhanced curving whenthrown specifically designed to aid in throwing to produce a curveeffect and a method for throwing that enhances a curved trajectory. Theobject includes a solid generally spherical structure having a diameterwith a range of about two inches to about six inches, the structureincluding an outer surface defining a generallyequatorial-circumferentially-extending groove dividing the structureinto a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, the outer surfaceincluding a plurality of slots in the first hemisphere extending fromthe groove to a pole of the first hemisphere.

More specifically, the apparatus includes a ball, having a solidgenerally spherical structure having a diameter in a range of about twoinches to about six inches, the structure including an outer surfacedefining a generally equatorial-circumferentially-extending groove,continuous around a great circle equator, dividing the structure into afirst hemisphere and a second hemisphere, the outer surface including aplurality of longitudinally-extending slots in the first hemisphereextending from the groove to a pole of the first hemisphere; wherein thestructure consists essentially of a low-density material; and whereinthe groove has a depth in a range of about two millimeters to about twoinches and a width in a range of about two millimeters to about twoinches.

A method includes a) throwing an object, the object including a solidgenerally spherical structure having a diameter with a range of abouttwo inches to about six inches, the structure including an outer surfacedefining a generally equatorial-circumferentially-extending groovedividing the structure into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere,the outer surface including a plurality of slots in the first hemisphereextending from the groove to a pole of the first hemisphere; and b)imparting a spin to the object while throwing to rotate the object aboutthe pole wherein the groove does not significantly precess and appearsto a thrower as a generally straight line perpendicular to an axis ofrotation wherein the object curves generally in a direction of the firsthemisphere.

A preferred embodiment of the unique invention embodied here includes acombination of a center groove with a pattern of hemisphere grooves. Aball having hemisphere grooves only without the center groove generallycurves, but only slightly. Similarly, embodiments of the presentinvention provide enhanced curve action by use of the longitudinallyextending slots (and further enhanced by the center groove) offerimprovements over concentric slots and waffle-type slots. The noveladdition of the center groove, among other structures as disclosedherein, creates a performance increase, providing significant additionalcurve. Further, the use of the center groove to define and reinforce a(with the feedback system) more natural, less-stressful throwing actionis safer for the user, particularly children and young children and isan advantage, particularly when compared to conventional systems lackingthis feedback system (e.g., Easton and Wiffle).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first hemisphere view of a curveball;

FIG. 2 is a second hemisphere view of the curveball of FIG. 1illustrating a plurality of slots; and

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the ball of FIG. 1 illustrating a centerequatorial circumferential groove separating the first hemisphere fromthe second hemisphere.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment and the generic principles and featuresdescribed herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent withthe principles and features described herein.

FIG. 1 is a first hemisphere view of a curveball 100 according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Curveball 100 includes afirst hemisphere 105 that optionally includes patterning 110, such asfor example stitching (real or simulated). Curveball 100 is preferablyadapted to be safely and efficiently thrown by all users, particularlyadapted to children, and most particularly adapted for use by very youngchildren. Curveball 100 is thus desirably not too large and made to belight-weight and soft. Preferably, curveball 100 is solid and generallyspherical having a diameter about in the range of two inches to sixinches though other sizes may be used for particular implementations.Curveball 100 is preferably made of low-density closed cell foams, suchas polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA),ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EV, VA, EM), polypropylene, polyester,polystyrene (EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethacrylimide (PMI),polymeric, viscoelastic, reconstituted chip (Recon), low-density closedcell polymer, and combinations and the like. Harder materials mayoptionally be used in some instances.

FIG. 2 is a second hemisphere 205 view of curveball 100 of FIG. 1illustrating a plurality of slots 210. Slots 210 are preferably disposedin a surface of curveball 100, having a range of different shapes suchas the generally triangular shape shown, as well as other appropriateand/or desirable slot shapes including dimples, vanes, and otherdepressions or in some cases protrusions or surface extensions makingthem not true slots but airflow altering structures in a more genericdescription. Each slot extends generally longitudinally from an equator215 to a pole 220. In the preferred embodiment, slots 210 extendgenerally perpendicular to the equator and pole, however in someembodiments slots may extend is a sloped, angled, spiral-wrapped, orother direction or combination of directions when progressing fromequator 215 to pole 220.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the ball of FIG. 1 illustrating a centerequatorial circumferential groove 305 separating first hemisphere 105from second hemisphere 205. Groove 305 has a width and depth partiallydependent upon a diameter of curveball 100. Groove 305 is preferably acontinuous equatorially-circumferential (great circle) groove with adepth from about two millimeters to about two inches. Groove 305similarly has a width of about two millimeters to about two inches. Insome cases, groove 305 may be substituted with a surface pattern or foran intermittent groove.

Groove 305, in addition to the performance enhancement, provides avisual indicator/feedback system to a user throwing curveball 100. Apreferred way to throw curveball 100 is to impart an axial spin aboutpole 220 when thrown so that groove 305 is seen as a solid line as itadvances away from the user. When the user is able to throw curveball100 with this spin and to provide for minimal precession of groove 305while curveball 100 is airborne and spinning, curveball 100 will curvetowards second hemisphere 205/pole 220.

To enhance this feedback system, it is an aspect of the preferredembodiment that groove 305 be visually distinct/contrasting to thehemispheres so that the user is able to easily detect correctspin/throwing technique. For example, the hemispheres may be a dark(e.g., black or white) color and groove 305 may be a contrasting color(e.g., bright/fluorescing green (in the case of black), red (in the caseof white) or other color). This groove 305 in this form not onlyimproves aesthetics, but helps to improve use and technique.

Embodiments of the present invention include a foam/soft baseball orsoftball size ball that can be thrown with a regular arm motion so thatanyone can throw a curveball. The ball has a plurality of grooves cutinto one hemisphere and a groove cut through the circumference of theball perpendicular to the hemisphere grooves. The combination of theseunique patterns creates a soft baseball that is able to achieve greatcurve with a regular arm motion. When embodiments of the invention arethrown so that the center groove is perpendicular to the ground and theball is spinning then these embodiments will curve in the direction ofthe hemisphere grooves.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details,or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components,materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of thepresent invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and notnecessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specificembodiment” in various places throughout this specification are notnecessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics of any specificembodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitablemanner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood thatother variations and modifications of the embodiments of the presentinvention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of theteachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit andscope of the present invention.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein isgenerally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated.Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as beingnoted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability toseparate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the presentinvention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to thepresent invention in light of the foregoing description of illustratedembodiments of the present invention and are to be included within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Thus, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoingdisclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances somefeatures of embodiments of the invention will be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications maybe made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essentialscope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular terms used in followingclaims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within thescope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to bedetermined solely by the appended claims.

1. An object, comprising: a solid generally spherical structure having adiameter with a range of about two inches to about six inches, saidstructure including an outer surface defining a generallyequatorial-circumferentially-extending groove dividing said structureinto a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, said outer surfaceincluding a plurality of slots in said first hemisphere extending fromsaid groove to a pole of said first hemisphere.
 2. The object of claim 1wherein said structure consists essentially of a low-density foam. 3.The object of claim 2 wherein said foam is selected from the groupconsisting of one or more of polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (LDPE),ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EV, VA,EM), polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene (EPS), polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polymethacrylimide (PMI), polymeric, viscoelastic, reconstitutedchip (Recon), low-density closed cell polymer, and combinations thereof.4. The object of claim 1 wherein said groove has a depth in a range ofabout two millimeters to about two inches.
 5. The object of claim 1wherein said groove has a width in a range of about two millimeters toabout two inches.
 6. The object of claim 1 wherein said plurality ofslots are generally perpendicular to said groove as they extend fromsaid groove to said pole.
 7. The object of claim 1 wherein said slotshave a generally triangular periphery defined over said surface.
 8. Theobject of claim 1 wherein said groove is continuous around a greatcircle equatorial circumference.
 9. The object of claim 1 wherein saidgroove is visually distinct from said hemispheres when said structure isairborne and spinning.
 10. A ball, comprising: a solid generallyspherical structure having a diameter in a range of about two inches toabout six inches, said structure including an outer surface defining agenerally equatorial-circumferentially-extending groove, continuousaround a great circle equator, dividing said structure into a firsthemisphere and a second hemisphere, said outer surface including aplurality of longitudinally-extending slots in said first hemisphereextending from said groove to a pole of said first hemisphere; whereinsaid structure consists essentially of a low-density material; andwherein said groove has a depth in a range of about two millimeters toabout two inches and a width in a range of about two millimeters toabout two inches.
 11. The ball of claim 10 wherein said groove isvisually distinct from said hemispheres when said structure is airborneand spinning.
 12. The ball of claim 11 wherein said material is selectedfrom the group consisting of one or more of polyurethane (PU),polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene vinylacetate copolymer (EV, VA, EM), polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene(EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethacrylimide (PMI), polymeric,viscoelastic, reconstituted chip (Recon), low-density closed cellpolymer, and combinations thereof.
 13. A method, comprising: a) throwingan object, said object including a solid generally spherical structurehaving a diameter with a range of about two inches to about six inches,said structure including an outer surface defining a generallyequatorial-circumferentially-extending groove dividing said structureinto a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, said outer surfaceincluding a plurality of slots in said first hemisphere extending fromsaid groove to a pole of said first hemisphere; and b) imparting a spinto said object while throwing to rotate said object about said polewherein said groove does not significantly precess and appears to athrower as a generally straight line perpendicular to an axis ofrotation wherein said object curves generally in a direction of saidfirst hemisphere.